482 Visa Cost Australia 2026: Fees, Charges & Total Cost Explained
Understand the 482 visa cost in Australia for 2026, including visa fees, employer charges, dependant costs, health checks, and other expenses under the Skills in Demand visa.
The cost of a 482 visa in Australia can go beyond the visa application fee alone.
If you're planning to apply under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, it's important to understand both the main visa charges and the extra costs that may come with the process.
At IDP, we help international students and skilled workers understand how study, English requirements, employer-sponsored pathways, and long-term migration planning can connect.
What is the 482 visa cost in Australia?
The 482 visa cost in Australia starts from AUD 3,210 for the main visa application fee under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. However, the total cost can be much higher depending on your situation, especially if you include family members or need extra assessments and checks.
Applicant Type | Approximate Visa Charge |
|---|---|
Primary applicant (all main SID streams) | AUD 3,210 |
Additional applicant (18 years and over) | AUD 3,210 per adult |
Additional applicant (under 18 years) | AUD 800–810 per child |
These visa application charges are paid to the Australian Government and are generally non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused or withdrawn.
Fees may also change over time, so the final amount can vary depending on when you submit your application.
It is also important to remember that the visa application fee is only one part of the total cost. Some applicants may also need to budget for extra expenses such as health checks, police certificates, English tests, and skills assessments, depending on their circumstances.
Common additional 482 visa costs
Cost Type | General Cost Guide |
|---|---|
Health examinations | Around AUD 300 to AUD 600+ per person depending on required tests and country of application |
Police clearance certificates | Around AUD 50 to AUD 100+ per country depending on the issuing authority |
English language test (IELTS) | Around AUD 495 |
Skills assessment (if required) | Around AUD 300 to AUD 1,000+ depending on the occupation and assessing authority |
Document preparation and translations | Around AUD 100 to AUD 500+ depending on document complexity and verification needs |
Employer sponsorship and nomination costs
For the 482 visa, some costs are linked to employer sponsorship and nomination. These are separate from the applicant’s visa fees and are usually employer-paid as part of the sponsorship process.
Common employer-side costs
Cost Type | General Cost Guide |
|---|---|
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) application fee | Around AUD 420 (one-time fee, if applying to become an approved sponsor) |
Nomination application fee | Around AUD 330–540 per nomination |
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy | Small businesses: around AUD 1,200 per year per employee |
The SAF levy is one of the largest employer-related costs and is usually paid upfront during nomination. Employers cannot pass this levy on to the employee.
These sponsorship costs can affect hiring decisions, especially for longer visa periods. This is one reason why employer readiness can matter in the 482 visa process.
Cost for family members (dependants)
If you include family members in your 482 visa application, your total cost can increase based on the number of dependents and their age. Separate visa charges may apply, along with extra health or document-related costs.
Family-related visa costs
Applicant Type | General Cost Guide |
|---|---|
Adult dependant (18 years and over) | Around AUD 3,210 per person |
Child dependant (under 18 years) | Around AUD 800–810 per child |
Health examinations | Around AUD 300–600+ per person |
Police clearance certificates (adult dependants) | Around AUD 50–100+ per country |
English language requirements | May apply in some cases |
Document preparation and translations | Extra cost may apply |
Costs can increase quickly for families, especially when multiple applicants are included. Planning early can help you better understand the full budget before applying.
Total estimated cost of a 482 visa
The total cost of a 482 visa can vary depending on your visa stream, number of applicants, employer-related charges, and extra requirements such as health checks, English tests, or skills assessments.
Estimated total cost guide
Applicant Type | Estimated Total Cost |
Single applicant | AUD 4,000–7,000+ |
Couple (2 adults) | AUD 7,000–10,000+ |
Family (2 adults + children) | AUD 8,000–15,000+ |
These are general estimates only. Final costs can vary depending on your occupation, location, and personal circumstances.
Who pays for 482 visa costs?
The cost of a 482 visa is often shared between the employer and the applicant. This depends on the type of expense and sponsorship rules.
In some cases, employers may choose to cover extra applicant costs as part of an employment offer. However, this can vary depending on the contract or employer arrangement.
Does the cost vary by 482 visa stream?
The base visa application fee under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa generally starts from the same amount across the main streams. However, total costs can still vary depending on visa duration, employer charges, dependants, and extra requirements.
482 visa stream cost comparison
Visa Stream | General Stay Period | Base Visa Charge |
|---|---|---|
Core Skills | Up to 4 years | From AUD 3,210 |
Specialist Skills | Up to 4 years | From AUD 3,210 |
Labour Agreement | Up to 4 years depending on agreement terms | From AUD 3,210 |
Total costs may still differ depending on:
employer nomination and sponsorship costs
SAF levy
skills assessments
family members included
health and document-related costs
This is why the visa application fee is only one part of the full cost picture.
Refund policy and hidden costs
Most 482 visa-related costs are generally non-refundable, so it is important to budget carefully before applying.
Common hidden or extra costs
Cost Type | General Cost Guide |
|---|---|
Migration agent or consultant fees | Around AUD 1,000–4,000+, depending on service level |
Document translations and certifications | Around AUD 100–500+ |
Re-taking English tests | Around AUD 350–450+ per extra attempt |
Travel and relocation costs | Around AUD 2,000–5,000+, depending on travel and settlement needs |
Even small extra costs can add up during the visa process. Understanding these early can help you plan more confidently and reduce unexpected financial pressure.
FAQs
What is the total cost of a 482 visa in Australia?
The total cost typically ranges from AUD 4,000 to AUD 7,000+ for a single applicant and can go up to AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000+ for families, depending on dependents and additional requirements.
Is the 482 visa fee refundable if rejected?
No, the visa application fee is generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused, except in very limited cases.
Who pays for the 482 visa cost?
The cost is shared. Employers must pay sponsorship and SAF levy costs, while applicants usually pay visa fees, medicals, and other personal expenses.
What is the SAF levy and how much does it cost?
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid by the employer and costs approximately AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year, depending on business size.
Are there any hidden costs in the 482 visa process?
Yes, additional costs such as migration agent fees, document translations, English test re-attempts, and travel expenses can significantly increase the total cost.
Does the visa cost vary by stream?
The base visa fee is generally similar, but the total cost can vary depending on visa duration, employer costs, and additional requirements like skills assessment.